How I Fixed My Life

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey from struggling with productivity to unlocking new levels of focus over the past 6-12 months. Key strategies include deleting social media apps, avoiding short-form content, and using apps like Todoist, Session, and Notion to measure progress. The speaker also highlights the importance of external accountability, health habits, and setting boundaries to stay focused. Despite progress, they acknowledge ongoing challenges like phone usage in the morning and the need to establish a consistent meditation practice. The video offers practical advice on improving productivity and maintaining a healthy balance in life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deleting social media apps from your phone can significantly reduce distractions and improve productivity.
• 📱 Keeping your phone upside down helps minimize the temptation to check notifications during work or social situations.
• ⏳ Stopping the consumption and creation of short-form content (like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts) helps protect your focus and creativity.
• 💡 Embracing boredom can lead to increased creativity, as it allows your mind to wander and generate new ideas.
• 🗣️ Conversations with strangers, without the option of retreating into your phone, can help you step out of your comfort zone and build meaningful connections.
• 📉 Limiting social media usage, especially through apps, helps avoid addiction to short-form content that hijacks attention and productivity.
• 📝 Using productivity apps like Todoist, Session, and Notion helps track tasks, time spent, and progress toward goals.
• 📊 Session helps prevent multitasking by encouraging focus on one task at a time and blocking distracting websites.
• 📅 Consistent goal setting, reviewing progress daily and weekly, and tracking habits can keep you accountable and on track for long-term success.
• 🚫 Saying 'no' to distractions, whether work-related or social, is crucial for maintaining focus and achieving your goals.
• 💪 External accountability (such as team deadlines or business responsibilities) can be an effective motivator for staying productive and focused.

Q & A

How did social media affect your productivity in 2023?

In 2023, my productivity was significantly impacted by social media. I would spend 5-10 minutes on tasks, only to get distracted by platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This caused a substantial loss of focus, and at best, I could work productively for only 2-4 hours a day.

What major change did you make to improve your productivity?

The most important change I made was deleting all social media apps from my phone. I removed YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The only social media app I kept was WhatsApp, and I set notifications to silent for everyone except family.

Why do you keep your phone upside down, and how does it help with productivity?

I keep my phone upside down to prevent myself from seeing notifications or getting distracted by the screen. Whether I'm out with my wife or alone, this simple habit minimizes distractions and helps me stay focused on the task at hand.

What is your stance on short-form content like YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels?

I have stopped consuming and creating short-form content altogether. I believe short-form content negatively impacts focus and productivity. The algorithms are designed to keep you addicted, and I noticed it was affecting my ability to concentrate for long periods.

How has deleting social media and avoiding short-form content impacted your creativity?

By avoiding short-form content, I've found that my creativity has improved. Boredom, which often arises when you're not distracted by your phone, helps spark new ideas. I’ve noticed that some of my best ideas come when I’m not consuming media, like when I'm in the shower or waiting for something.

What are the three benefits you've experienced from limiting social media and distractions?

1. **Fewer distractions**: With fewer notifications and temptations, my focus has greatly improved. 2. **Increased creativity**: I’ve learned that boredom is essential for creativity. Without constant distractions, I have time to think and generate new ideas. 3. **Improved social interactions**: Without the option to check my phone, I’ve been forced to engage in small talk and connect with others, which has helped me build new relationships.

How do you track your productivity now?

I use three apps to track my productivity: 1. **Todoist**: A simple to-do list app where I can list and prioritize tasks. 2. **Session**: This app logs my work sessions and helps me focus on one task at a time. It also includes a Pomodoro timer to boost productivity. 3. **Notion**: I use it for daily and weekly reviews, tracking goals like exercise, sleep, and productive work hours.

How has external accountability played a role in your productivity?

External accountability has been crucial for maintaining focus. Deadlines from brands and my team force me to be productive, as I need to deliver on time. Similarly, my responsibilities with my startup and co-founder keep me accountable and ensure I stay on track.

What advice do you have for people struggling to stay focused due to distractions?

Start by minimizing distractions, especially from social media. You don’t need to be on every platform. Set up external accountability, such as working with a partner or team, and make sure to track your goals. Also, prioritize your health—sleep, exercise, and diet play a huge role in maintaining focus.

What are the challenges you are still working to overcome?

I’m still working on reducing my phone usage after waking up, as I tend to check emails and notifications first thing, which causes anxiety. I also want to reduce my Twitter and YouTube usage on my laptop, as it sometimes becomes a distraction. Additionally, I’m trying to incorporate meditation into my routine, but I’ve struggled with consistency.